UK-based Shaminder Singh Garcha transforms a two-room school into a modern educational hub
The Government Elementary School at Salh Kalan village of Banga, once on the verge of closure due to low student numbers, has been revived through the dedicated efforts of UK-based NRI Shaminder Singh Garcha, reported tribuneindia.com.
Garcha’s contribution has expanded the school, increasing student enrollment from 7 to 60.
A Commitment to Education
A few years ago, the Government Elementary School at Salh Kalan village faced closure as student strength dropped to just seven. When Shaminder Singh Garcha, a septuagenarian based in the UK, heard the news, he pledged to prevent its shutdown.
“It was my temple of learning where I attended my first five classes. I could not let it shut down. With the help of other NRIs, I committed to spending Rs 40 lakh. So far, we have invested over Rs 1 crore to rebuild the school, adding seven plush classrooms and increasing the student strength to 60,” Garcha said.
Collaboration with the Government
The state government contributed Rs 20 lakh to the reconstruction effort after IAS officer Krishan Kumar declared the building unsafe. Garcha and his team razed the old structure and rebuilt the school according to government specifications.
Garcha highlighted the staffing challenge, noting that the school has only two teachers. He proposed merging the school with a nearby government school in Salh Khurd village, which has 25 students and two to three teachers. This consolidation would create a stronger educational environment with four teachers for 85 students.
Expanding Community Support
In addition to improving the school, Garcha has proposed setting up a dispensary in the Salh Khurd government school through Seva Trust UK, an NRI organization supporting rural education and women’s skill development in sewing and computer training.
He also suggested developing a playground in Salh Kalan village to serve both Salh Kalan and Salh Khurd communities, enhancing youth sports activities.
A Personal Mission to Give Back
Garcha, who moved to Bedford, UK, in 1966 and retired 10 years ago, spends his time between the UK and his hometown of Banga. “My wife and I are committed to giving back to our state and helping future generations,” he said.
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